15th Sha'ban in Shia Islam

15^th Sha’ban is an auspicious day in Shia Islam, as the last and current of the twelve Imams (Aimmah); Imam Mohammed Mahdi was born. Imam Mohammed Mahdi was born on 15^th Sha’ban 255 AH (869 AD) in the city of Samarra, present day Iraq.

Imam Mohammed Mahdi was born to Lady Nargis the wife of eleventh Imam Hasan Askari. Lady Nargis was a Byzantine princess. Birth of twelfth Imam Mohammed Mahdi fulfilled the prophecy of Prophet Mohammed that after him there will be twelve deputies for him. Imam Mohammed Mahdi is the ninth generation of third Imam Husain. Prophet Mohammed also prophesised occultation and re-appearance of twelfth Imam before Resurrection as promised Messiah.

Imam Mohammed Mahdi’s father Imam Hasan Askari was under house arrest as the caliphate considered them as a threat; lately they martyred the eleventh Imam. Imam Mohammed Mahdi was born under arrested life of his holy father, and all mean while was kept hidden from general public and his identity too was kept hidden from caliphate, since it was dangerous for his life. Only a handful of loyal persons had the knowledge for the same.

After the martyrdom of eleventh Imam Hasan Askari, Imam Mohammed Mahdi assumed the office of Imamat at age of five years; he appeared to general public to lead the funeral prayers of his holy father. Thereafter under the divine order underwent occultation, hidden from public although not dead.

For near century his occultation was minor, an agency of his deputies maintained a link between him and public through letters and orders. Before the death of fourth and last deputy, it was announced by Imam Mohammed Mahdi through his deputy that there will be no more deputies, and his major occultation will begin.

Imam Mohammed Mahdi declared he will re-appear to establish faith and justice at the end times as promised Messiah by the divine order. 15^th Sha’ban is thus a day of celebrations for Shia Muslims all around the world to mark his auspicious birthday.

Oh Allah! Peace and Salutation be upon Mohammed and House-hold of Mohammed.

Marriage and Divorce in Shia Islam

Topic: 32

There are two types of marriages in Shia Islam. One is simple normal marriage called ‘Nikah’, while the other is temporary marriage known as ‘Mutah’ or ‘Sigha’, more information on Mutah. Both Nikah and Mutah to be initiated require two instruments, first is ‘Aqd’ and second is ‘Mahr’.

In Shia Islam ‘Aqd’ is exchange of marital vows, an agreement between a man and a woman or their representatives; it is marriage proposal by the first party and its acceptance by the second party. Shia Islam requires proper specific Arabic formula to initiate the marriage.

‘Mahr’, the second of the two requirements for marriage in Shia Islam is obligatory gift/dower to the bride by the groom. Mahr is usually money, land, ornament, ring, jewel, house etc. Mahr is fixed prior to the recitation of marriage formula or exchange of marital vows.

Translation of proper specific Arabic marriage formula or vows are; first the proposal as ‘I have made myself your wife on the agreed dower’ which follows the acceptance as ‘I accept the marriage’. If marriage if initiated through representatives then first the proposal goes ‘I have given to your client ABC in marriage my client XYZ on the agreed dower’ the acceptance goes ‘I accepted this matrimonial alliance for my client ABC on agreed dower’. Formula for temporary marriage include ‘for agreed term’ in addition to ‘on agreed dower’.

Shia Islam does not require witnesses for any of the two marriages; this is in contrast to Sunni marriage which requires witnesses. Shia Islam requires permission of either biological father or biological paternal grandfather’s consent for virgin woman to be married, there are however conditional details for it.

With regards to divorce, there is no divorce in temporary marriage ‘Mutah’. Once the agreed term is over the marriage itself is annulled. However, husband can end the ‘Mutah’ in between by saying, ‘I forgo the remaining term’.

Divorce in Shia Islam again requires proper specific formula in Arabic to be pronounced by husband or his representative.  If husband himself divorces his wife he says, ‘my wife XYZ is divorced’, if through representative the latter says, ‘XYZ, the wife of my client is divorced’. This is in contrast with Sunni rule where just uttering word ‘Talaq’ divorce in Arabic is sufficient.

In Shia Islam, divorce to happen requires three declarations of the above divorce formula, each with minimum interval of one menstrual cycle of woman. Only one declaration can be made in one menstrual cycle. This is in contrast with Sunni rules; where all three divorces could be pronounced in one go.

Shia Islam also requires two just witnesses at each of three sessions of divorce pronunciation. Sunni rule does not require any witness for divorce to happen. Husband according to Shia Islam cannot give divorce to his wife in that menstrual month in which he has had a sexual intercourse with her. This is also not a requirement in Sunni where a husband can pronounce divorce even just after sexual intercourse.

In Shia Islam, the first and second sessions of divorce pronunciation is revocable, in which divorce process is just activated but divorce has not happened. If couple have sexual intercourse the process of divorce becomes void. Husband and wife can rejoin as couple and divorce pronunciation becomes void. The third, also the last divorce pronunciation is final and irrevocable, after which divorce happens. In Shia Islam, divorce cannot be given to a pregnant wife. Divorce in pregnancy is thus void.

In Shia Islam, if marriage is consummated, then after divorce the divorced woman cannot immediately remarry, she must wait for three menstrual cycles, once, that is over she is free to remarry another man.

In case of Mutah, if marriage was consummated, when the term gets over, the couple can immediately remarry each other as there is no provision for divorce in Mutah. But if the woman desires to remarry another man she should wait for two menstrual cycles.

In Shia Islam, both marriage and divorce requires sound mind, intention and free will. Thus, any compulsion, jest or intoxication either in marriage or divorce makes their process void. In Sunni rule forced, joked or intoxicated divorce is valid, but in Shia Islam it is void.

If either of the marriage is unconsummated then there is no waiting period for woman to remarry another man. ‘Halaala’ is a Quranic injunction which prohibits Shia divorced couple (A and B) to remarry each other after irrevocable divorce. However, if later the woman (B) is also divorced by her second husband (C) after consummation of their marriage, it is legal for her (B) to once again re-marry her previous husband (A).

Oh Allah! Peace and Salutation be upon Mohammed and House-hold of Mohammed.

Uthman and his Caliphate

Main Topic: Karbala, brief overview

Uthman son of Affan was an Ommayyad. He adopted Islam on advice of Abu Bakr, he still had good terms with Ommayyads his clan who were against Hashmites the clan Prophet Mohammed.

Uthman migrated to Ethiopia, returned back to Makka and finally migrated to Madina with other Muslims. Khadija’s nieces were adopted as daughters by Prophet Mohammed, and Ruqaiyya one of them was married to Uthman. Uthman did not participate in battle of Badr as he wanted to be with ill Ruqaiyya, who later passed away. Uthman although did not participate in Badr, readily came forward to share the bounty. He later married Kulthum, Ruqaiyya’s sister to still be in relation with Prophet Mohammed.

At Uhad battle, Uthman did not took part in main battle for obvious reason. However, he was asked by Prophet Mohammed to guard the backdoor of battle field from possible attack and was given command of archery unit. He was asked never to leave the post no matter whether Muslims win or lose the battle, yet when he saw Muslims winning the battle, left the post with others to collect the bounty. His leaving the post prompted Makkan pagans to attack from backdoor, which was a blow upon Muslims; he later showed remorse on his actions.

Before the truce of Hudaibiyah, Makkan pagans asked Prophet Mohammed to send his envoy to Makka. But they also stipulated the eligibility of envoy that the envoy should never have killed any Makkan pagan, Uthman was the only person to meet the eligibility, thus he was sent as an envoy.

When Prophet Mohammed passed away of martyrdom, and meeting at Saqifa was going on, Uthman was also there and became the second person to pledge his allegiance to Abu Bakr. He formed the part of Umar Khattab and Abu Bakr’s junta. Remember, Prophet Mohammed was never allowed to write his will on pretext that he was ill and Holy Qur’an was enough for them as guidance. Now, when Abu Bakr fell seriously ill, he was asked to write a will although he was frequently losing consciousness; it was Uthman who wrote the will for Abu Bakr.

Umar Khattab was appointed the next caliph in Abu Bakr’s will and Uthman was first to pay his allegiance to Umar. During Umar’s rule Uthman enjoyed a great amount of goodwill from Umar. A lot of Ommayyads who adopted Islam after loss of Makka began to be appointed as governors and jurists in various provinces on advices of Uthman. Hashmites, the clan of Prophet Mohammed was completely isolated; Ommayyads once the staunchest enemies of Islam now became representatives of Islam.

When Umar was murdered, before death he appointed a council of six men to choose the next caliph from among them. Ali son of Abu Talib was given top priority. Abdur Rehman another member of council convinced others to put this condition to Ali that if he wanted to become next caliph, he should abide by policies set by Abu Bakr and Umar during their era and should also work on advices of council members. Ali son of Abu Talib declared, “I will only follow Holy Qur’an, policies of Prophet Mohammed and my own judgement”. And thus Ali declined to follow policies of Abu Bakr and Umar or work on advices of council members. Uthman, the second choice of council, was also presented the same conditions which he readily accepted, thus he was made the next caliph.

Prophet Mohammed has exterminated for life time these culprits: Marwan son of Hakam and his father, from Madina. After Prophet Mohammed, Uthman had tried his best to cancel the extermination orders of Prophet Mohammed by two caliphs but they did not dare to cancel the order as it would have created anti-caliph feelings among people. Marwan was son in law of Uthman, the very next day Uthman became caliph he cancelled the orders of Prophet Mohammed and both Marwan and his father re-entered Madina.

Uthman began nepotism; all major and important positions were given to his brothers and cousins. Ommayyads who were once the staunchest enemies of Islam and were at open war with Prophet Mohammed became trustees of Islam. Islam never preached colonialism; Uthman, in name of Islam began colonialism and sent military expeditions in name of holy wars. It was at this time that Islam began to be seen as ‘spread by sword’. Holy preaching of Islam got replaced with lavish lifestyle.

Mauwiya, son of Abu Sufyan and father of Yazid, was appointed as governor of Syria during reign of Umar Khattab on advice of Uthman as both Uthman and Mauwiya were close relatives. It was Uthman who during his reign granted Mauwiya complete autonomy; he was no more answerable to central caliphate for any of his actions and could practice complete autonomy. This was birth of Ommayyad dysnasty, Ommayyads once again had come to power, during Uthman’s reign Hashmites, the clan of Prophet Mohammed was completely isolated.

Uthman started innovations (Biddat) in Islamic codex, he started an additional Azaan, call for prayers on Friday, angering many Muslims who saw this action as part of whims and fancies. Uqba, the step brother of Uthman was appointed as governor of Kufa, Iraq by Uthman. Uqba was caught drunk while leading the morning prayers in which he added two extra sets as he was drunk. These events were seen by Muslims as attack on their religious sentiments.

All these actions of Uthman created anti-caliph sentiments. These sentiments began to take severest form when Ommayyad governors and their clan members began to get undue and huge personal loans from central treasury. Clarity in finances was lost and central treasury became private riches of Ommayyads. Agitations began and numerous companions of Prophet Mohammed became critics.

The lead among critics was Abu Darr Ghiffari, he was a loyal companion of Prophet Mohammed. Abu Darr Ghiffari was among earliest convert to Islam and was very dear to Prophet Mohammed. He began challenging nepotism of Uthman, finally Uthman became fed up and exterminated Abu Darr Ghiffari to Syria. Abu Darr Ghiffari as critic in Syria became headache for Mauwiya who sent him back to Madina. Uthman once again ordered Abu Darr Ghiffari to be exterminated this time to deserts of Rabada where no humans lived. Abu Darr Ghiffari, his wife and daughter died of starvation.

Riots became the order of the day, and anti-Uthman sentiments grew in all provinces of caliphate. A lot of men formed radical organisations and parties, to launch revolt and overthrow Ommayyads from power. People began sending their envoys to different cities to gather support. The atmosphere of Madina also became critical. Few men consulted Aisha widow of Prophet Mohammed, also the daughter of Abu Bakr, she too favoured Uthman be replaced with someone else. She however went for pilgrimage to Makka.

Uthman had sensed his misfortune, and tried to get a remedy. He tried to gather support from Ali who isolated himself from all these events. Many companions also isolated themselves from these. Relatives of Uthman, Marwan, Uqba and others came for Uthman’s rescue. People who formed radical outfits and parties began entering Madina and encamped themselves. Initially, seize was not severe but in mean time these men imposed a curfew. Uthman became house arrested.

As tensions mounted food and water was blocked upon Uthman’s mansion. Days went by but the situation only became tensed. However, Ali took food and water provision to his house, as it was un-Islamic to block food and water. These people were adamant for solution and finally took advantage of moment and entered Uthman’s mansion from back wall. They attacked Uthman and finally killed him. It became impossible for Uthman’s body be buried in graveyard of Jannatul Baqi as curfew was imposed, thus his near relatives buried him in nearby Jewish graveyard ‘Hashke Kaukab’ secretly in night.

News of Uthman’s murder began spreading and anarchy started. Ommayyads who were on political posts started to take best advantage of the event and consolidate their powers, they raised the cry for revenge. Aisha the widow of Prophet Mohammed while returning from Makka heard the news. She became part for pro-Uthman people; however, before this she was against Uthman.

Sensing anarchy most of people insisted Ali to become the next caliph. This time Ali son of Abu Talib put his conditions before numerous people gathered outside his house. Ali in his conditions said, “I will only follow Holy Qur’an, policies of Prophet Mohammed and my own judgement, I will not follow policies of previous caliphs”. People agreed and started paying oath of allegiance to Ali son of Abu Talib as fourth Caliph. Ali had considered himself undisputed first deputy of Prophet Mohammed as declared by Prophet Mohammed himself, finally, assumed the caliphate.

Pro-Uthman faction sensing their future loss started to accuse Ali for murder of Uthman. Ali son of Abu Talib openly declared, “Had I supported Uthman’s murderers I would have became a part of them, and had I supported Uthman I would have became partner in his activities, I thus kept myself aloof from Uthman as well as his killers”.

Aisha the widow of Prophet Mohammed raised the banner of revenge from Ali, this she did by falling prey to propaganda of pro-Uthman men and those who themselves wanted to assume caliphate. Talha, son of Obaidullah, Zubair, son of Awwam and Aisha, widow of Prophet Mohammed formed an alliance along with Ommayyads to avenge blood of Uthman from Ali. Ali reminded Aisha that she had no Islamic right to seek revenge as she was not from clan of Uthman.

Ali started to suspend the Ommayyad governors because they misused the power. Ali as fourth caliph also suspended Mauwiya, the Syrian governor of Uthman. Mauwiya along with other Ommayyads denied to recognise Ali as the caliph and declared war on Ali, son of Abu Talib the fourth caliph. Aisha, Talha and Zubair joined Mauwiya and called for battle. Ali son of Abu Talib in this environment shifted the capital to Kufa, Iraq to consolidate the caliphate.


Oh Allah! Peace and Salutation be upon Mohammed and House-hold of Mohammed.


Return to main topic: Karbala, brief overview

Jihad, the Holy War in Shia Islam

When questions about Jihad (Jihaad) are put forward, they are solely about the Holy War! Jihaad Fii Sabi Lillaah or Struggle in the path of God is thus also called the Holy war. Therefore no reasons are left to divert the topic with answers other than Holy War’s topic.

Shia Islam has ten Practices/ Branches of Faith ( Furu Deen), Jihad is sixth branch or sixth practice in Shia Islam. Status of Jihad, the Holy War in Shia Islam stands suspended (Saaqit). This ‘Saaqit’ or suspension is not ever-lasting.

Shia Islam preaches infallibility of Prophet Mohammed and his deputies, the series of twelve Imams (Aimmah). Shia Islam when it talks about Jihad the Holy War, has set pre-requisite for Jihad the Holy War to be undertaken. Shia Islam states that the order of Jihad the Holy War could only be issued by an infallible divinely guided person, as bloodshed is involved, also justice is the criteria of Jihaad, and only an infallible person can observe justice.

Since only Prophet Mohammed and his deputies the twelve Imams (Aimmah) are infallible from Shia Islamic view, only they alone can issue the order of Jihad the Holy War. Prophet Mohammed and eleven of his deputies have been martyred and the last deputy Imam Mohammed Mahdi is under occultation, thus Jihad the Holy War currently stands suspended in Shia Islam.

No matter how educated or intelligible a jurist may become he can never acquire the status of Isma or Infallibility, thus as per Shia Islam’s preaching, has no right to issue Jihad. An educated and intelligent jurist may not knowingly do injustice but out of limitations of normal human, being fallible may commit mistakes unknowingly. Jihad is to be fought without personal prejudice and without anger, it is fought solely for sake of God.

Shia Islam preaches that prior to Jihad the Holy War, Hujjat, the complete proofs of faith are presented, if that is not working the policy of peaceful co-existence is presented, if even that is not working, then as last course of action Jihad the Holy War is ordered. All these highest level activities could only be undertaken by and an Infallible, either Prophet Mohammed himself or his twelve deputies the Imams (Aimmah).

Of all the Infallibles, Prophet Mohammed issued Jihad the Holy War at Badr, Ohad, Khandaq, Khaybar, Hunain etc, His first deputy Imam Ali Murtada ordered Jihad the Holy War at Basra, Siffin, Nehrawan etc in Iraq, and the third Imam Husain Shaheed undertook Jihad the Holy War at Karbala, Iraq. All three infallibles took the course of Jihaad as last course of action and at utmost necessity.

Other Imams didn’t faced these utmost critical periods although they had very severe periods upon them, but Divine guidance bestowed upon them didn’t confuse them that those period were utmost critical, thus they practised alternate courses of actions other than Jihad the Holy War.

Shia Islam preaches Jihad as branch of religion and requires every Shia Muslim to be prepared for it, but no Shia Muslim be he jurist or layman has any right to order Jihad. Shia Islam preaches when Twelfth and Last Imam Mohammed Mahdi re-appears from occultation the ghaybat, he would order Jihad the Holy War, but this topic is part of Shia Islamic Eschatology.

A lot is said about offensive Jihad and defensive Jihad, but no proofs have been shown that Prophet Mohammed of whom Holy Quran declares being ‘Rahmatulill Alamiin’ the Mercy upon universes ever undertook offensive jihad. Prophet Mohammed, Imam Ali Murtada and Imam Husain faced the worst scenario in front of them and the only course of action left before them from Islamic point of view was Jihad the Holy War. Thus, the accusation of offensive Jihad is mere guesswork by various individuals.

Prophet Mohammed never made an empire; he only gave a governing system to the people in that area which had no governance at all and were nomadic and rudimentary, thus Prophet Mohammed’s action were not establishment of an empire or political identity in World politics. Confusing later Muslim conquests with Jihad the Holy war is absurd.

Islamic empires and so called Islamic wars to establish Islamic dynasties since the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed were politically motivated, they have no Islamic sanctions. Thus to confuse Jihad the Holy War  with politically motivated wars to establish Muslim dynasties is grievous mistake. These attacks were and are given the name of Jihad the Holy War to confuse and mix political motivations of power hungry men with pristine pure Islamic teachings.

The direct family of  Prophet Mohammed was the first victim of terrorism by power hungry hypocrite Muslims. Eleven Imam (Aimmah) or deputies of Prophet Mohammed were either attacked with swords or poisoned. The sorrows are endless upon Prophet Mohammed’s family, but it makes one become clear that Jihad the Holy War and pseudo jihad is all about hunger of power and money and is branded jihad just for sake of confusion.

Giving other meanings of word Jihad, and talking about moral activities of inner fight against ego etc is vague. Defending one’s family, children, neighbours, nation; earning lawful money and staying away from sins are loftily aspects in themselves and may be called as jihad from different perspective, they all have other specifics names in Islamic vocabulary.

Jihad the Holy War is completely different thing and could be ordered only by Prophet Mohammed himself or his twelve deputies the Imams (Aimmah). Prophet Mohammed and eleven Imams (Aimmah) are martyred, thus the only person who could declare the real Jihad the Holy War is only twelfth Imam Mohammed Mahdi.

O Allah! Peace and Salutation be upon Mohammed and House-hold of Mohammed.

24 Dhul Hajja, Eid Mubahila in Shia Islam

Shia Muslims around the World celebrate 24th Dhul Hajja day of Islamic calender as Eid Mubahila (Festival of Imprecation). Following event had taken place, to commemorate the event celebration are made.

Mubahila (Imprecation) is an event around the end of ninth year of Prophet Mohammed's migration to Madina. Prophet Mohammed sent his official letters of office of prophet hood to the tribes around. One such letter was sent to Bishop of Najran, Yemen; it concluded either in the invitation to Islam or grant to exercise religious freedom under Islamic government.

The Bishop sent 14 members as his representatives to Madina, to discuss the issue with Prophet Mohammed, the deputation was headed by Abdul Masih Aaquib, Abdul Haris inb Alqama and Saiyed. They discussed the issue with Prophet Mohammed; who invited them to Islam, as truthful messenger from same God, who had sent Jesus Christ aforetime for guidance, in case they dont accept Islam they have to accept the conditions to exercise of religious freedom in accordance with Islamic rules (payment of Jizya).

They began to inquire from Prophet Mohammed about his stand on Jesus Christ, what Islam says about Jesus Christ. They were not convinced with the reply that Jesus Christ is not the son of God rather is messenger and prophet of God. As counter question, the representatives put question about who the father of Jesus Christ was? Since they too knew Islam believes in virgin and miraculous conception of Mary. They put this question deliberately to get reply 'no one', so they can conclude that if no one fathered Jesus Christ, it implied that he was son of God. 

God revealed the following verses of Holy Qur'an as a reply for them, which would put stop to their counter questions:

[Holy Quran 3:59] Inna ma'sala Isa ind Allah kama'sali Aadama khalqahu min turabinn summa qala lahu kun fayakun

(Indeed, the example of Jesus with Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he became).

[Holy Qu'ran 3:60] Alhaqqu min Rabbika fala takun min almumtarin

(The truth is from your Lord, so do not be among the doubters).

Thus, this bought an end to their counter questions, they wanted to imply that since Jesus Christ had no father he should be taken as son of God. God replied in eyes of God, Jesus Christ was in likeness of Adam. If they go by their beliefs then Adam had greater right to be son of God since he had neihter father nor mother.This too could not convince them. 

Lately, the following verse was revealed upon Prophet Mohammed as last option possible:

[Holy Qur'an 3:61] Faman haajjaka fihi mim ba'di majaa'aka min alilmi faqul ta'aalu nadu abna'ana wa abna'akum wa nisa'ana wa nisa'akum wa anfusana wa anfusakum summa nabtahil fanajal la'anat Allahi ala alkazibin,

[Then whoever ie: Christians of Najran, Yemen; argues with you (Prophet Mohammed) about it (divinity of Jesus Christ) after knowledge (of Absolute Monotheism) has come to you - say, "Come, let us call our sons (Imam Hasan and Imam Husain) and your sons, our women (Fatima Zahra) and your women, ourselves ( Prophet Mohammed and Imam Ali) and yourselves, then supplicate earnestly [together] and invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars (among us)]."

They, were asked to assemble with their sons, women and selves and curse each other and if Prophet Mohammed would be a liar, their curse would fall on him and vice-versa. Note, herein Prophet Mohammed had an option to take more then one woman, and another person who would be like him. He took just his daughter and cousin although there was an option but with eligibility 'free from lie'. It implies that no one was equivalent to his self except Imam Ali though other also had desires to be taken along with, also no other woman was competent enough except Fatima Zahra. 

Once, the Christian deputation accepted the imprecation contest, Salman Farsi, a faithful companion of Prophet Mohammed was asked to make arrangement and a podium.

On 24th Dhul Hajja 9 Hijra, Prophet Mohammed bought them (the aforesaid persons), the Christian deputations was awestruck and spellbound to see the illuminating personalities. They became sure enough that if these people utter curses against them they would perish away.Abdul Haris ibn Alqama exclaimed: "Verily I see a divine light on the faces of our combatants; I am beholding such faces among them as can make the mountains move from their spots if they pray to God. So beware! Never try to contest with them, otherwise you will perish and the entire Christendom will succumb to extinction!" Later, they signed a treaty to live as Christians and exercise religious freedom within Islamic government in return for Islamic tax 'Jizya'.

Prior to the event, it was here, when Prophet Mohammed was proceeding towards the podium with Imam Ali, Imam Hasan, Imam Husain and Fatima Zahra; that Muslims were also spellbound with divine luminescence on Prophed Mohammed and his family members, Muslims were not used to this luminescence prior to this event. And thus when asked about it, Prophet Mohammed is reported to have declared:

Awwalena Mohammed wa ausatena Mohammed wa aakharena Mohammed was kulluna Mohammed

(The first among us is Mohammed, the middle one among us is Mohammed, the last among us is Mohammed, all among us are Mohammed).

Thus, Shia Muslims celebrate this day of this great event as Eid (Festival), sweet dishes are prepared, greetings are exchanged, special supplication are recited.
 
Oh Allah! Peace and Salutation be upon Mohammed and House-hold of Mohammed.

Sunni Triple Talaaq (Divorce) illegal (Haraam) in Shia

Topic 28:

Majority in Sunni Islam considers Triple Talaaq (Divorce) in one instance as valid. Shia Islam considers it illegal (Haraam). Triple Talaq is when a Sunni husband divorces his wife by simply pronouncing the word ‘Talaaq/ Divorce’ three times in front of his wife, with or without intention to do so, with or without witnesses. In Shia Islam this form of Talaaq (Divorce) is illegal (Haraam).

Such a Talaaq (Divorce) was a pagan Arab custom which was made forbidden by Prophet Mohammed upon his followers. However, Umar son of Khattab the second caliph later considered it valid during third year of his reign. Shia don’t recognize Umar Khattab as an authority in Islam, thus also, consider such validation by Umar Khattab as illegal.

Majority in Sunni Islam considers uttering word ‘Talaaq’ three times in a single instance to wife, regardless of intention, joke, anger, compulsion, haste, witnesses; by a husband as legal. For reunion with same husband such divorced wives need to observe waiting period (3 months) then undergo ‘Halaala’. ‘Halaala’ is an Islamic law which forbids reunion between divorced couple, before wife remarries another man and gets irrevocable divorce from the latter and observes waiting period (3 months).

Mere utterance of word ‘Talaaq/ divorce’ to wife, how does it conveys whether ‘Talaq’ is given or ‘Talaaq’ is not given? How could this confusion be removed by that mere pronunciation of word ‘Talaaq’ in Sunni Islam’s majority; as to whether Talaaq is given or Talaaq is not given, Talaaq would be given or Talaaq would be thought over, Talaaq would happen or Talaaq must be decided etc? Shia Islam has no such ambiguity.

Absence of witnesses, state of anger, being under compulsion, being drunk, done as joke are no excuse, and divorce gets executed in majority of Sunni jurisprudence; remorse felt by husband or both don’t make any revoke on divorce.

Shia Islam consider it forbidden (Haraam); this whole custom of triple talaaq (divorce) in one instant. Shia rules require triple talaaq (divorce) for irrevocable divorce, but not in one instance. Shia need minimum three menstruation cycles of wife to get divorced. Only one talaaq (divorce) could be pronounced in one monthly cycle of wife.

Shia Islam also requires two trustworthy witnesses each time for each divorce to be valid. Shia Islam also requires proper divorce formula “my wife xyz is divorced”, to be properly pronounced to wife by husband or his representative for divorce to be valid.

Shia Islam considers all divorces which were pronounced without intention, in compulsion, or as jokes etc as invalid, and does not amount to divorces. Shia Islam also does not allow divorce to be pronounced if husband has had sexual intercourse with his wife during that menstrual cycle.

After each revocable divorce husband can nullify the revocable divorce by taking back his wife in marital tie through indulging in sexual intercourse with his wife. It is only after third irrevocable divorce that divorce happens in Shia Islam.

Shia Islam considers divorce as legal but makes it difficult up to the required level, wherein grievances could be wiped out, anger could subside, and marriage and family could be saved. Irrevocable divorce in majority of Sunni Islam could happen in few seconds; where as in Shia Islam it requires minimum three menstrual cycles.

In case of marriage (Nikah) witnesses are not required in Shia Islam, it also allows temporary marriage (Mutah), and this makes Shia marriages easier as compared to Sunni marriages.

Interestingly, divorce in Shia Islam as it requires two witnesses in each instance and minimum three menstrual cycles for irrevocable divorces makes it difficult compared to divorce in majority of Sunni jurisprudence, where in divorce can happen in few seconds.

Prophet Mohammed had ordered to make marriages as simple as possible so that society remains free from sexual evils. Also, since divorce breaks family, period for reconciliation need to be provided on basis of Qur’anic injunction, both above advantages are seen in Shia Islam. Shia Islam is the Islam as preached by true deputies of Prophet Mohammed who are twelve Imams of Shia Islam.

Back to: Marriage and Divorce in Shia Islam

Oh Allah! Peace and Salutation be upon Mohammed and House-hold of Mohammed.

18th Dhul Hajja, Eid Ghadeer in Shia Islam

Topic 27:

In the year of farewell Hajj (10 Hijri) just after Hajj, when Prophet Mohammed was returning back to Madina, on his way to Madina, some distance away at Juhfa, Archangel Gabriel (Jibril) bought down the Divine orders to Prophet Mohammed so as to declare the following revelation of Holy Qur'an to people:

[Qur'an 5: 67] Ya ayyuhar Rasulo balligh maa unzila ilayka mir Rabbik, wa inl lam taf'al fama ballaghta risaalatahu. wa Allahu ya'simuka minan naas, innal Allaha la yahdil qaumal kaafiriin.

O Messenger, announce that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.

After its revelation caravan entered the valley of Ghadeer Khum near Juhfa, Ghadeer Khum literally mean an oasis in archaic Arabic, thus the name. Here, afternoon prayers were offered. Prophet Mohammed asked people to make a pulpit near the oasis. A pulpit was made using saddles of camels and people swept the ground using date palm leaves, all arrangements were made. Prophet Mohammed delivered a heart touching speech and finally made Ali Murtada to stand beside him. He asked people: Do you know this man? They replied in boost: He is Ali son of Abu Talib. Prophet Mohammed began saying thus:

Allahu Maulaya wa anaa Maulatul Mo'min wa man kuntu Maulahu fahaza Aliyyun Maulahu!

that is: Allah is my Maula (Patron), I am Maula of all faithfuls and to whom so ever I am Maula then Ali is their Maula!

He prayed in favour of Ali (as) and his supporters and stepped down from pulpit. Instantly, Umar son of Khattab (the later second Caliph) got up and congratulated Ali Murtada and said: Greetings O son of Abu Talib, this day you have been made Commander of faithfuls (Amir ul Mo'mineen). Umar Khattab and all others present there paid their oaths of allegiance at hands of Ali son of Abu Talib. Oath ceremony is reported to have continued for around three consecutive days.

Salman Farsi (Persian) a loyal companion of Prophet Mohammed and a staunch supporter of Ali Murtada is reported to have added the statements of wilaayah (divinely appointed leadership) of Ali Murtada in the next Azaan (call for the prayers), which to this day forms a convention in Shia Azaan. People instantly objected to this and reported it to Prophet Mohammed. Prophet Mohammed told them that just then he had exactly preached what Salman had announced in call for prayers, he asked them didn't they remember? These people silently went away.

Points to be remembered: Allah asked Prophet Mohammed that if he didn't declared what was revealed it would imply he didn't convey any message of messengership of whole 23 years. It should be understood that now, if some one doesn't believe in this declaration it would imply the person didn't believed in any message from of 23 years.

Just after this event got over Archangel Gabriel bought Divine orders to declare the momentous revelation of Holy Qur'an, it forms the part of following verse:

[Qur'an 5:3] Alyauma akmaltu lakum diinakum wa atmamtu alaykum ni'mati wa raditu lakumul Islama diina

This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.

The day coincided with Solar Equinox (20th March), which is celebrated as Eid Nawroz (Ghadeer according to Solar calender).

Eid Ghadeer is core of Shia Islam, all Shia Muslims celebrate Eid Ghadeer with greatest enthusiasm; greetings, gifts are exchanged. 

Shia Muslims fast on day of Eid Ghadeer, ceremonial bath is taken, best clothes are worn, itr (scent) is applied. Sweets are eaten when possible. Houses are decorated with lights and festivities,  candles are also lighted.

Special prayers are offered, fraternity is established by holding the next persons' hands inside mosque, oaths are taken to help the next persons when in need, prayers are said in their favour. People hug each other. Oath of allegiance is oft repeated in favour of Imam Ali Murtada; Prophet Mohammed, Imam Ali Murtada and all other infallible are remembered.

Social gathering are arranged for religious lectures, eulogy ceremonies. Lavish family and social feast, dinner and lunch parties are arranged. Shia Islam preaches to spend this day in celebration, any sorrows are tried to be neglected on this day. Celebrative processions are undertaken. Eid Ghadeer is considered most auspicious day in Shia Islam.

Oh Allah! Peace and Salutation be upon Mohammed and House-hold of Mohammed.